Cooper Interconnect on Front Street in Salem City will close early next year. (Staff Photo by Britney Lillya/South Jersey Times)

SALEM — Cooper Interconnect, a local manufacturing plant for wiring and system connections, informed city employees that they plan to close the plant’s doors by early next year after more than 40 years in operation.

At that time, 56 employees at the plant — consisting of 41 hourly and 15 salary workers — could likely be searching for new jobs.

“This was done in response to ongoing business and market conditions. It’s not only a reflection of the challenging business climate, but also our attempt to compete globally and meet market demands,” said Mark Horner, Senior Manager, global communications, with Eaton Corp.

Cooper Interconnect, located on Front Street, was founded as Wire-Pro in 1971 by Robert N. Barbera and Jerry Eddis. The company started with just a few employees and was located for a time in the Pureland Business Park before moving back to Salem in 1979.

Wire-Pro was sold to Cooper Industries, a global manufacturer of electrical products and tools based out of Houston, back in 2007.

In late 2012, Cooper Industries was acquired by power management company Eaton Corp.

The Salem plant has been a longtime manufacturer of military and aerospace products, including electric and connecting components. Its clients have included Boeing, Raytheon, the U.S. government and commercial businesses.

Horner said Eaton plans to close the Salem location by the first quarter of 2014 and move its operations to other existing facilities. The company is currently working with Salem-based employees in regard to transition benefits and finding new work, either within the company or elsewhere.

“We’re working with employees to ensure that they’re treated well and to make sure we help them adjust once this happens,” Horner said. “This announcement is not a reflection on the employees or the Salem facility.”

Mayor Charles Washington said he and city officials are aware of the plant closing, and are trying to work out a way for Cooper Interconnect to stay in Salem.

“Any business closing in the city will have an impact on the community, not only due to the continued loss of revenue for the city, but also because of the impact on employees’ lives. They’ll be trying to find work in a tough economy,” Washington said.

Washington added that city officials are working with the office of Senate President Stephen Sweeney and the New Jersey Business Action Center in an attempt to bring Eaton to the table to discuss keeping their business in Salem.

If that falls through, Washington said he has already started bringing potential investors through the facility in hopes of bringing a new business in to replace Cooper Interconnect.

“We’re aware of the situation and we’re working to get them [Eaton] to the table to figure out how we can assist them, and figure out a way to keep them here,” Washington said. “We know the economic impact this will have on our community and we’re doing our best to combat that loss.”